Need help on roof rack for my build
- Thread starter Cardeq
- Start date
JKChad
Observer
Are you looking to use a RTT with an annex or just a standard RTT? The later of the 2 will allow for a much more simple design. I have my rack setup to raise up about 20" to allow me to use my annex. It's great to have but adds a fair bit of complexity. Like all projects, their will always be a give and take.
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If the lid has enough structure, the simplest would be to bolt the tent to the lid directly, or make a couple of cross bars that bolt to/through the lid and mount the tent on them.
If the lif is just sheet metal with no frame in it, you might want to add something underneath to transfer load down to the trailer frame area.
If the lif is just sheet metal with no frame in it, you might want to add something underneath to transfer load down to the trailer frame area.
Cardeq
New member
I wanted to go the Annex route for my wife and daughter to use if needed.
JKChad
Observer
You might have to go the route I did with a telescoping rack. My rack legs bolt on the outside of the trailer sides and will allow for a lid to be used, although the lid i'm planning to build will open at the rear instead of the side. If you build a fixed rack at decent height for the use of an annex, you'll definitely increase the center of gravity on the trailer. That may not be much of an issue of you don't go offroad with it. The other drawback of a high mounted rack/tent setup is wind drag. My trailer/tent setup with all my gear still allows my jeep to maintain 13.5-14.5 mpg towing. We just did a 2000 mile trip from TN down to central florida and back up the Gulf coast, to camp, and averaged about 13.5-14mpg on that trip. I'm also only running 285/70 duratracs on the jeep and 265/75/16' Pathfinder at's on our trailer.
Take a look at my build thread. Our trailers are similar in size..
https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/my-camping-rooftop-tent-trailer-build.168702/
Cardeq
New member
Awesome build. We go offroad as much as we can and was the reason we built the jeep. Currently just tent camp but when i found the trailer and started all the research on them I felt like the jeep was almost done and now time to begin on the trailer. Like anything else its never done and i bet this becomes the same way. Just another thing the wife can add to the WTH list.. Thanks for sharing.
Buffalobwana
Observer
Whatever you do, you might get set up and ready to put gas struts on your lid. Nothing like someone or something knocking a 2x4 out of the way and getting bonked on the head by your own lid!
If you put a tent up there, depending on structure, angle, etc. you may need up to 250lb struts. I know it sounds like a lot, but depending on angles, distance from hinge etc. and some guesswork and frustration, 200-250 may work.
If you put a RTT on a rack above the lid, then definitely a pair of lighter struts.
Get the McMaster Carr app. They sell struts at very reasonable rates. Amazing the number of products they have on that app to choose from. I find it way more helpful (and affordable) than Grainger. I have both for different reasons.
If you put a tent up there, depending on structure, angle, etc. you may need up to 250lb struts. I know it sounds like a lot, but depending on angles, distance from hinge etc. and some guesswork and frustration, 200-250 may work.
If you put a RTT on a rack above the lid, then definitely a pair of lighter struts.
Get the McMaster Carr app. They sell struts at very reasonable rates. Amazing the number of products they have on that app to choose from. I find it way more helpful (and affordable) than Grainger. I have both for different reasons.